Does cognitive learning potential measured with the dynamic Wisconsin Card Sorting Test predict rehabilitation outcome in elderly patients post-stroke?

ABSTRACT

Objective

To determine whether cognitive learning potential measured with the dynamic Wisconsin Card Sorting Test has added value in predicting rehabilitation outcome in elderly patients post-stroke after controlling for age, ADL independence at admission, global cognitive functioning and depressive symptoms.

Methods

Participants were patients with stroke admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation unit. ADL independence (Barthel Index) at discharge was used as measure for rehabilitation outcome. Predictor variables included age, ADL independence at admission, global cognitive functioning (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale) and cognitive learning potential measured with the dWCST.

Results

Thirty participants were included. Bivariate analyses showed that rehabilitation outcome was significantly correlated with ADL independence at admission (r = 0.443, p = 0.014) and global cognitive functioning (r = 0.491, p = 0.006). Regression analyses showed that the dWCST was not an independent predictor of rehabilitation outcome. ADL independence at admission was the only significant predictor of rehabilitation outcome (beta = 0.480, p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Cognitive learning potential, measured with the dWCST has no added value in predicting rehabilitation outcome in elderly patients post-stroke. ADL independence at admission was the only significant predictor of rehabilitation outcome.

Registration number Netherlands Trial Register

Trial NL7947.

KEYWORDS:

• Dynamic testing
• neuropsychology
• old age
• stroke
• rehabilitation outcome

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the patients for participating in the study. We would like to thank the clinicians and neuropsychology interns who contributed to the process of participant inclusion and data collection. The authors received no funding for the research, authorship, and publication of this article. The authors thank Zuyderland Medical Center, Maastricht University and Limburg Brain Injury Center for their resources.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.